From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6?The emphasis here is on the weird and wacky, not on the science. Bizarre Insects introduces the subject with a few fascinating facts and lots of pictures. Goldenstern presents a bit of information on the history (if known) of the Lost Cities of Bonampak, Troy, Machu Picchu, Mohenjo-daro, and Herculaneum, as well as their rediscovery in modern times. Bloodsuckers looks at vampire bats, leeches, fleas and lice, mosquitoes, and lampreys. Mummies briefly discusses the various ways in which dead bodies have been preserved through the ages and recounts the discoveries of specimens from around the world, including the Ice Man. Each of the books contains short chapters with good-quality full-color pictures that amplify the texts and heighten interest. While there may not be a lot of hard science in them, these titles give basic facts and avoid sensationalism. Browsers will eat them up.?JoAnn Rees, Sunnyvale Public Library, CA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
This entry in the Weird and Wacky Science series presents the many creatures that suck blood: mosquitoes, vampire bats, head lice, lampreys, fleas, and leeches. Knapp (Sports Great Bo Jackson, 1990, etc.) works hard to exploit the ``yuck'' factor, with lurid prose and catchy headlines, e.g., ``Patient and Deadly'' and ``The Silent Slurping Attack.'' A boxed introduction sets the tone: ``These animals are small, but that does not mean they aren't dangerous. Bloodsuckers tear into flesh with long sharp `drills,' triple jaws, and even tongues covered with teeth.'' The word dangerous is frequently invoked: ``For centuries the most dangerous animal in the world was the flea'' and ``One of the world's smaller animals is one of the most dangerous'' (the mosquito). The full-color photos includes close- ups of leeches, bats drinking from a bowl of blood, and other ``gross'' fare. For those who believe that science is sufficiently compelling on its own, the overall treatment of this material is rather sensationalized. (notes, glossary, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
